Thursday, July 5, 2007

Day 41

Over the last couple of days the docs have continued to wean Mason's vent settings. His pressure is down to 24, rate down to 40 and oxygen down to 21%. Room air has 21% oxygen so this is a big step for Mason. Right now the vent is giving him the equivalent to what we are breathing, just with added pressure behind it. Unfortunately Mason will not be able to come off the vent until his belly is completely closed.

The docs have continued to wean the morphine and sedation, with good results. They have not decided yet when they will try to close his belly again. When they checked yesterday, the patch was still pretty tight. The attending surgeon will decided what the plan is tonight. We are hoping for something to happen tomorrow or this weekend. Of course, when this happens all of his vent settings will go up again (hopefully not as high) and the weaning process will start over. We are quickly learning that patience is key here.

The docs have decided not to try any feeds until his belly is completely closed. Mason will continue to receive his nutrition by IV for now.

Today we learned that Mason's ECMO buddy, Noah, came off the vent yesterday. Great news for Noah and his family!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It's great to see Mason with his eyes open and you both with such big grins on your faces. I can't wait to get back and see him!!

Love,
Aunt Jacquelynn